Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Waterfall Wednesdays Read-Along #1

1. Waterfall opens with the introduction of Gabi, she’s depressed, a little angry and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?

I thought she was a little bit of a whiner at first, but I did start to like how she’s bold and adventurous (if perhaps a little reckless too). She’s the kind of girl that gets things done, and that’s always great to see in novels.

2. Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th Century Italy- The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there any time in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?

I took an art history class last semester that I loved, and I'd really like to go to the early 1500's to see one of the best artists in action. It would be beyond amazingly awesome to meet Michelangelo, and see his artwork (like the Rome Pietà to the left) while it is all still in pristine condition....along with all the other art and artists at the time! But hey, I'd settle for a trip nowadays too ;)

3. Most of the men, including Marcello have a very set opinion about a woman's place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if she’s a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides a horse like a man and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of men’s mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?

They just didn’t know any different in that time…I think it’s a bit annoying, but that’s unfortunately the way it was (and still is in some places). Honestly, I thought it would be much worse for Gabi.

4. When Gabi becomes a part of this era, the people are immediately intrigued but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her difference. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?

I think the suspicion is somewhat understandable – Gabi’s very peculiar to them, because of how she arrived and her unusual questions/statements. I’ve definitely been misjudged or felt like an outsider quite a lot, probably due to my shyness. But I think experiences like those are helpful because they make you a better person.

5. What do think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?

Cool: The castle, for sure. I would love to see a castle…and I am a sucker for a pretty dress, so I think the clothes would be interesting too.

Worst: No hospitals/doctors/medicine/toothbrushes and toothpaste. Ugh, and my hair would be a frizzy mess. And I really wouldn't want to be in the middle of a war fought with swords.

I thought it would have been much worse for Gabi too, I'm sure Marcello could have easily had her beaten for insolence if he'd had the mind to, so she was lucky to stumble across some men who like their women with a little bit of fight and fire in them:) And how cool would it have been to live in castle? Add some electricity and plumbing to that bad boy and I'd move in in a second!

Loved your answers! I'd pile in a heap crying too! But now we know exactly what to do if we ever find ourselves having traveled back in time in a tomb- Pick the guys with the best looking teeth and make up a story that we are from Normandy. Then make sure we speak the language. Maybe make sure we speak the language before we start digging around in tombs in that country???

Awesome answers, Lea! I think it was because Marcello's mom was so strong that he was ready for a strong woman in his life...but that's just my two cents.

And you'll die when you get to Rome and Florence and see the art. One of my favorite stops was the Accademia, where you see DAVID, of course, but also all these hunks of marble with portions of sculpted bodies emerging...Michelangelo in action, in process, but not quite done. FASCINATING.

Heather, adored your comments! Made me laugh out loud. See you next week!